Reading
SAA Notes
Notice how Peter talks about Jesus: our God and Saviour. The righteousness of Jesus is the means of your salvation. With Jesus you have everything you need for life and godliness. Meditate over the connections between the attributes listed in verses 5-8.
SJA Notes
* Holy God, You word teaches us the qualities that matter. Please write Your word on our heart today.
“For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Virtue.
Knowledge.
Self-control.
Steadfastness.
Godliness.
Brotherly affection.
Love.
In his second letter Peter starts with this very clear list. Attributes or qualities of the believer that we are to work to obtain, to strive for, to supplement each with the other.
“For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, …”
It is not only to have these qualities, but that the qualities are to INCREASE.
Increase is an important truth in God’s word. We can see this outworked across all of life.
There is much friction in increase.
We cannot ride a bike for any distance without pumping our legs until they’re burning. This provides increase. We get fitter, our legs get stronger.
We are to set about our lives getting fitter and stronger in the qualities Peter lists out.
We need to wrestle with this list!
Virtue. Knowledge. Self-control. Steadfastness. Godliness. Brotherly affection. Love.
Peter tells us that with these qualities growing and increasing we are effective and fruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
If this is true for us then we are good soil, bearing much fruit!
* Father God,
Please help us take hold of Peter’s words here, Your word spirit-breathed and carried along.
Thank You for Jesus, Your beloved Son in whom You are well pleased.
Amen.